April 05, 2009

I am a map geek with an accumulation of maps that I cannot really justify. Maps are useful because of what they ignore and what they exaggerate. Road maps, train maps, aviation maps, bicycle maps : they're a study in communicating. I have bike maps that color-code roads based on their bicycle-friendliness (traffic, shoulders, speed limits). I have NPR maps that show what public radio stations are available along different highways and in different cities. I love maps.

The Economist is one of a few magazines I subscribe to and read because it's good for me -- I once read an article by futurist Joel Barker who recommended that non-holistic techies (to be kind) would benefit by reading outside the geek boundary.

The artwork follows (and recognizes) a famous 1976 New Yorker Magazine cover by Saul Steinberg, (slide show) depicting a NY-centric view of world geography. This has always been a favorite of mine because I'm from NY and it rings true. When I was in the service I taped a copy of this inside my locker door; it was a memory of home for me. Here's Steinberg's comment on the perception of New Yawkers, looking west from 9th Ave: hi-res version

There are other city maps based on Steinberg's concept.

Amsterdam

TelAviv

Atlanta

A Political Map:

Post 9/11

Global Warming

I have been looking for a "Pittsburgh: A View of the World", because if there was ever a place with a parochial world-view, Pittsburgh is it. I haven't found one yet. So, here's my question: Does anybody have a Pittsburgh View of the World image?

I have the Pittsburgh a view of the world poster. It is in great shape and recently acquired and is available for sale. Those who are interested in this unique print can leave some contact information here. I will check periodically and if no interest will probably put in on ebay.